Icy temperatures and organizational issues shorten the LPGA season opener. Nelly Korda benefits and celebrates her 16th tour win.
The LPGA Tour’s season-opening event, the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions, was scheduled from January 29 to February 1 at the Lake Nona Golf & Country Club in Orlando, Florida. However, unusually cold and very windy weather in the Sunshine State forced tournament officials to cancel the final round.
Two tournaments ran simultaneously on the course. One was the LPGA season start played in a 72-hole stroke play format, the other featured top qualified amateurs from the week’s Pro-Am competition. Each professional was paired with two celebrities or amateurs, who rotated every round, with amateurs and celebrities competing under a Modified Stableford system.
Nelly Korda Capitalizes on Chaos to Secure Her 16th LPGA Title
Although Nelly Korda put herself atop the leaderboard on Saturday with a strong 64 and a three-stroke lead, the tournament’s organization deteriorated into chaos. Eight players had to suspend their third round early Saturday due to cold and strong winds, completing it only Sunday afternoon. Korda ultimately secured her 16th LPGA Tour title. Amy Yang finished second three strokes behind, with Brooke Henderson in third place.
The decision to end the LPGA tournament early on Sunday was delayed significantly, drawing criticism over the handling and communication. The final day began with temperatures around -4°C and wind gusts up to 24 km/h. Officials postponed the final round start multiple times awaiting better conditions, but after temperatures only rose to 4°C, they concluded the tournament could not continue—even though warmer weather was forecasted for Monday.
According to the LPGA, the combination of low temperatures and strong winds caused balls to roll uncontrollably on the greens, rendering play unsafe. Meanwhile, the amateur event started at 10 a.m. with a nine-hole round.
Confusion Surrounds Different Treatment of Professionals and Amateurs
Golf journalist Beth Ann Nichols from Golfweek was on-site and described journalists waiting since 10 a.m. in the press room for information on why amateurs were allowed more holes while LPGA players waited in the clubhouse for a decision. Even after four hours, the LPGA provided no updates on resuming play.
An official LPGA statement announced the tournament would be shortened to 54 holes after consultations with officials, staff, partners, and course maintenance teams. It also noted that similar weather forecasts for the next day would prevent completing 72 holes.
Conflicting Views on Course Conditions
Not all were convinced by the decision. Swedish player Annika Sörenstam, playing in the amateur competition, told Golfweek she found the course playable despite the cold. \”I don’t understand why play stopped,\” she said. \”Pitch marks were everywhere. I made some really good shots today, and the ball even held its position. It’s tough, it’s cold, but as fair as anything.\” Former tennis pro and amateur Mardy Fish described the putting greens felt like \”concrete\” Sunday morning before warming up.
LPGA Chief Business and Operations Officer Ricky Lask